Showing posts with label nikon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nikon. Show all posts

1/31/2012

Sekonic L-758DR Light Meter (Black) Review

Sekonic L-758DR Light Meter (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I really like this meter. It does everything I need and a bit more. I find it easy to use as it follows similar interface design as my DSLR's "press-this-and-spin-that" UI. The integrated pocket wizard, ability to meter light ratios and balance ambient light is fantastic. The use of this meter has improved my shots.
A previous reviewer said the interface was poor - I disagree. The interface is extremely simple for the basic functions you'll use all the time. Set the ISO, take a reading, change between reflected spot and incident, set the pocket wizard channel, set the exposure time for ambient, etc.
When using the more advanced features, it gets a little more complicated. For example, metering the highlights, the shadows and mid-tones and display them all at once, or meter the lighting ratio between lights. Perhaps it could be a little easier but I don't find it a hinderance.
In fact I didn't notice the complexity as it's no more complicated than most of the features on my Nikon D700. The Sekonic, happily, follows the same convention of rapid key combinations for instant access to features instead of slow menu driven interfaces. Yes the menus are easier to learn - but you'd pay that speed penalty every time you'd use it. Once you learn how to play the Sekonic's keys, the price is paid and you get the speed benefit every time you use it.
Now it would be slick if, like the pro DSLRs, they provided both a menu and a key. But I still wouldn't use the menu.

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Spot & Incident Light Readings Under Flash and/or Ambient Lighting Conditions Calibrated to match the Sensitivity of Your Camera's Imaging SensorThe Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster is simply the most dynamic light meter you will ever own. It can record incident or 1-degree spot-readings under ambient and/or strobe lighting down to a tenth-stop in accuracy, and it's sealed against the nastiest of weather. With the included Sekonic RT-32 Radio Transmitter Module and you can wirelessly trigger PocketWizard-enabled flash systems within a 100' range. But that's not what makes the Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster different from any other meter you have owned. What moves the L-758DR DigitalMaster to the head of the class is that it is the only meter that can be calibrated to read light the way the sensor in your particular camerareads light.Like film, imaging sensors vary in light sensitivity levels from one batch to the next. Despite manufacturers best efforts, fluctuations of native ISO sensitivities of up to plus/minus half-a-stop can be detected across the uncut wafers as they come off the manufacturing line. Depending on which ‘slice of the pie' is inside your camera, the specs listed in the camera manual may not hold true to the characteristics of the sensor in your particular camera.By running an easy calibration test using Sekonic's L-758DR, a Sekonic Exposure Profile Target (optional) and the included Data Transfer Software (Mac & Windows), you can accurately profile the sensitivity characteristics of your camera's sensor to determine the compensation value for its true native ISO, dynamic range and clipping points.After calculating the test data and establishing new exposure parameters, this data is uploaded from your computer via the included USB cable back to the meter where it is stored as camera profiles. Profiling data from up to 3 cameras can be stored in your meter for instant recall.

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1/19/2012

Pocket Wizard Mini TT1 & Flex TT5 for Nikon DSLR Bundle (1 Mini and 2 Flex) Review

Pocket Wizard Mini TT1 and Flex TT5 for Nikon DSLR Bundle (1 Mini and 2 Flex)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Bottom line - Cream of the Crop
I've been using this miniTT1 and FlexTT5s with my D90 and D200 for several months now. To say that they are perfect would be an overstatement. To say they work every bit as well as if they were hard-cabled is pretty much dead on. And with these things you don't have the challenges of tripping over or getting twisted in long wire runs.
As a simple example, I can set my flash (Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras - Old Version) with a Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal System Cloud attached on a stand in the middle of a large room. I have my camera (Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)) set to manual exposure, 1/30 @ f5.6. Pictures I take anywhere in the room are perfectly exposed.
They also work perfectly, albeit without the TTL functions, with the original PocketWizard Plus II Transceiver 801-125 Relay Radio Slave Transmitter Receiver 2-piece w/ PockeWizard Case for 2 in the mix.
There were some issues with the Canon version of these controllers and that was attributed to both the Mini/Flex and Canon "natively" using radio signals to control things. Nikon took a different approach, using light instead of RF signals for their Creative Lighting System (CLS) commands As a result there is no interference with the latest equipment from PocketWizard.
There are a flood of flash controllers available these days. Some cost a fraction of what these do and if you are only needing them to go short distances and can tolerate the occasional failure they're OK. PocketWizard, with the miniTT1 and FlexTT5, along with their continued support for the other equipment in their product line, caters to a more demanding user with far greater performance and reliability requirements. For me, anyway, it didn't make sense to take a chance on reliability or performance, or give up the capabilities provided here, just to save some on a one-time expense.
BTW, I feel that honest, effective reviews can take the place of first-hand experiences that are lacking in online shopping. I've always appreciated the help I've received from other reviewers and work hard to return the favor as best as I can. I hope you found this review helpful and if there was anything you thought was lacking or unclear leave a comment and I'll do what I can to fix it.



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11/19/2011

PocketWizard PW-MMAX 802-450 MultiMAX Transceiver (Black) Review

PocketWizard PW-MMAX 802-450 MultiMAX Transceiver (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Having already owned 4 of the Pocketwizard Plus II remotes, I was glad to see the Multimax is even better than i had imagined.
The Multimax is a little heavier than a Plus II, it feels more solid, though the hotshoe and locking ring are still the plastic that i'm worried will snap if twisted too hard. If I were to make a single change to the entire line of Pocketwizards, a metal shoe and locking ring would be it.
The features are great, and even slightly intuitive. Keep the manual on this one until you're familiar with all the options and control features. You can use it straight out of the box, but then you might as well get a Plus II if you don't need the extra options.
The two most notable features-rear curtain sync and intervalometer. Rear curtain sync is not available to canon camera when using off camera flash. The Multimax enables this feature.
along with a motor drive cable (get it at www.flashzebra.com for a fraction of the cost of the 'official' cable) you can use the Multimax as an intervalometer-schedule your camera to take a shot at a pre-determined interval, for stop motion photography and such. Considering the Canon TC80N3 remote costs 1/2 as much as the Multimax *without* the remote triggering and transceiver abilities, you're getting quite a bit for your money.
You really only need one multimax, unless you have a desperate need to use zones that you can turn on and off from your camera. Make the rest of your transceivers Plus IIs and you'll be set.
While the new radiopoppers will give Pocketwizards a run for their money, you can't argue with the features of the multimax and its abilities. Highly recommended for Pros, and amateurs with deep pockets.

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PocketWizard's MultiMAX Transceiver contains many of the features found in the PocketWizard Plus II including advanced wireless transceiver technology, multi-channel switching, sustained 12 frames-per-second high-speed triggering, and a range of up to 1600' between transceivers. Add to this mix the ability to isolate individual or groups of lights for multiple and/or selective lighting sequences aided by a choice of thirty-two 16-bit, digitally coded channels (up from four in the PocketWizard Plus II). Now the fun begins.For time-lapse imaging, MultiMAX's trigger time control software includes an Intervalometer for recording timed sequences of up to 10,000 exposures over a time period of 100 hours. Multi-pop shooting - up to 10,000 exposures. Rear-curtain sync mode will capture ambient streaks of light at slow shutter speeds even for cameras that do not have this feature. Each PocketWizard MultiMAX features an easy-to-read, backlit LCD display for fast settings confirmation under any lighting condition. The SpeedCycler mode enables sequential triggering of up to 4 individual or sets of cameras or light sources for high speed sequential image capture from multiple camera positions as a method of further ‘reducing' recycling times between exposures.The PocketWizard MultiMAX is compact, with a short, unobtrusive, rubberized antenna. The total height of the transceiver and antenna is less than 6.5", and it weighs in at 6oz including the batteries. The backlit keypad is also rubberized, and has a lock button that secures your pre-established settings when you're working fast and furious. To ensure a secure fit to your camera or bracket, all PocketWizards feature sturdy, locking rings for hot shoes. Power is supplied by 2 AA batteries, which are good for about 60 hours of playtime. An optional AC adapter allows for continuous, unlimited shoot time.

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11/18/2011

Pocket Wizard PWP-TR 801-125 PLUS II Transceiver - 2 Pack (Black) Review

Pocket Wizard PWP-TR 801-125 PLUS II Transceiver - 2 Pack (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have to admit, the Elinchrom EL-Skyport competitor units have more advantageous specifications on paper compared to these PocketWizard Plus II units. There are a few other wireless units out there, but only two of these brands can compete if you want serious no-fail gear. Heres the comparison:
POCKETWIZARD PLUS II
1. 16-bit / 344.04MHz
2. Sync up to 1/500s
3. 4 Channels
4. 1600+ foot range
5. AA battery or AC
6. Transceiver (auto-sensing, no need to purchase different units)
7. Flexible rubber antenna (no swivel)
ELINCHROM EL-SKYPORT
1. 40-bit / 2.4GHz
2. Sync up to 1/1000s
3. 8 Channels
4. 50 meter range indoor / 120 meter range outdoor (394 foot range)
5. CR2430 3.0V battery or AC
6. Receiver or Transmitter models are separate
7. Flexible 360 degree swivel antenna
The PocketWizards are even bulkier than the Skyports which are flat. The antenna of the PocketWizard looks fragile and doesn't hide or swivel down when being kept. In fact the plastic build and feel of the PocketWizard feels like a cheap radio control toy for kids.
And to add more to the above, it's almost twice as expensive than the Skyport.
So why did I still get the PocketWizard unit? The PocketWizard MultiMax transceiver is more versatile and more advanced in features than the above two models which is what I am aiming to grab to control the other PocketWizard units. I'm investing and banking on the fact that PocketWizard will try to strike a deal with other manufacturers for wireless flash trigger.
They started with Mamiya Corporation and equipped their Sekonic's current light meters with the technology including my Sekonic L-758Cine flash meter that I've installed a PocketWizard wireless module.
And unlike the Elinchrom EL-Skyport RX model (which is a custom tailored version that plugs into their own RX lighting setup), The PocketWizard technology exists in various lighting brands including Dyna-Lite, Norman, Profoto and Photogenic.
Nikon did once use PocketWizard in their D1X way back in 2002 until they started their own Creative Lighting System (CLS) which does not simply rely on triggering a flash alone, but measures, meters and communicates the information back to the camera. It would be best to know each capability and limitation especially depending on the scale of your project, intent and creativity.
The PocketWizard has been around for a longer time and they have rock-solid reliability. It sticks out from the camera hot shoe like a sore thumb and for a good reason that enables great communication with other units over a long distance.
Conclusion:
You obviously have to evaluate your needs and how you plan to build your system.
If you are on a budget and would like equal reliability over shorter and more normal triggering distances, I would suggest Elinchrom EL-Skyport. In fact I would suggest investing on RX models and be able to control Elinchrom's own lights via their downloadable EL-Skyport software.
However, if you want to stick with the proven technology and reliability of PocketWizard then building a system around this wireless set up will be an equally good investment down the line especially as they try to expand with other professional brands of photographic devices.
The advantages of Elinchrom shine when you are building a system around their own brand. Outside of this, PocketWizard has been the recognized leader...at least for now.

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11/09/2011

SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Review

SU-800 Wireless Speedlight
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First of all if you want a general purpose, reliable, long distance remote trigger, you really should look into Radio Popper, Cactus, PovertyWizard, and such. Don't get me wrong, there's a place and time to use RP, Cactus, PW, and the SU-800. They all have their niches. For example when I go shoot outdoors where I place the flash units far away from the camera, I'll use the PW-- you get superior range over the SU-800, and good reliability. However it is very expensive, and the older PW units don't have TTL so if you don't set your power setting correctly the first time you end up having to walk to/from different flash units to change their power setting. I've not used Radio Popper myself but I've heard good things about it since it preserves TTL functionality. As for Cactus, it's very cheap, but also has limited range and is not as reliable as the other alternatives. In all cases, these are 3rd party vendor solutions with yet one more piece of equipment (battery, configuration, etc) to worry about, and one more point of failure in your day-to-day shoot.
On the other hand... if you're shooting indoors, or doing on-site portrait work, this is THE remote unit to use. In the literature, the range of this commander unit is 66 feet. However, in practice, I've seen it vary between 30-50 feet, and almost always line of sight. If I'm indoors, I prefer this unit because it is very light and you will not feel any extra weight on your camera. So despite the lack of range, I still love the SU800. It offers a fully integrated Nikon CLS solution, and is simply easy to use when you do portrait work. i-TTL is built in with 3 channels so you can adjust power (or not have to think about power at all when you do portrait work). Sure, the built in commander flash in D80/90/200/300/D700 is nice, but they only have 2 channels, and frequently the pre-flash from those cameras makes people blink excessively. On the SU-800 there is no preflash so you can take pictures of people and pets without bothering them with the preflash, and you end up having more usable shots. In addition, this is a must have accessory if you're doing very low light, no flash, walk-around shooting using SU-800's discrete red light focus beam. Yes you can achieve the same on the SB-800/900 by turning off flash and only enabling the red AF-assist, but they weigh a lot more, and make the camera very bulky. Lastly, this is a nice item to have with the R1C1 kit, though not absolutely necessary since you can use the on-camera flash, and macros aren't usually affected by the on-camera flash.
The SB-800 and SB-900 have commander units too, and when you point them towards other flashes in the commander mode, the range is about 50% greater than that of SU-800: I've gotten about 50 feet of range with the SU-800, and about 75-80 feet of range with the SB-800 and SB-900. Clear line of sight (from the commander to the optical receiver) is the key. The down-side to using SB-800/900 as commanders is that they weigh a lot more, and they emit pre-flash making people blink more than necessary.
I'm giving it 4 stars because it does extremely well for what it was designed and built for-- indoor portrait commander device. If Nikon came out with a longer range radio unit, I'd give it 5 stars, but that was not what the SU-800 was originally designed for. For outdoor strobists, I still recommend radio signal commander/receiver alternatives, at a price of course.

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9/22/2011

FlexTT5 Transceiver Radio Slave for Nikon Review

FlexTT5 Transceiver Radio Slave for Nikon
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(More customer reviews)
I bought the mini plus this unit and tried them out. Results: like the title, Amazing. I bought a second FlexTT5 and an AC3 zone controller, and I can do just about anything with my speedlights. You can put as many speedlights as you need in each of three zones, then using the AC3, you can adjust any or all of your flash zones from the camera or shut off any of the zones. And these units, the FlexTT5 and the smaller Mini are so easy to use - just put one on your hotshoe, one under each speedlight and fire away! I do recommend that instead of buying the Mini, just get another of these Flex TT5's since these use AA batteries while the Mini uses a button battery that may not be easy to find. Plus, the FlexTT5 can transmit OR receive. The Mini only can transmit, although it is lighter.

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9/17/2011

Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter Review

Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter
Average Reviews:

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This Sekonic L-358 light meter is an excellent meter. I have fallen in love with it. Lots of Today's 35mm SLR camera meters are TTL Meters (reflected light measurement meters). Sekonic L-358 is such a high precision instrument which measures incident, reflected, flash (cord & cordless). I got great digital photos after I have used the reading on 2 different cameras under normal & Flash lights.
The pictures are great out of your camera and do not require any editing if used properly according to the instructions. I like the built in Memory function to store readings, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, 2 ISO functions, Weather proof Seal, Can include optional radio transmitter + receiver modules to wirelessly trigger flash units, So far Battery Life has been Good. This meter does not use "AA" it uses CR-123A so you will have to always carry one spare with you.

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Since its introduction, Sekonic's L-358 Flash Master has become the best-selling digital flash meter in its class. Weather-sealed against the nastiest of working conditions, the L-358 delivers dead-nuts accurate flash and ambient light reading in both incident and reflected modes.For mixed lighting scenarios, the L-358 displays the combined exposure values of both flash and ambient light sources, including the percentage of flash in total exposure in 10-percent increments. Dual ISO buttons allow for quick exposure factoring when working with two differing film speeds, film and Polaroids, or other situations where comparison readings are desired.

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